Houseplant of the Month – Peperomia

Compact and slow-growing is often how this month’s Houseplant of the Month, the Peperomia, is described.

Their main attraction is their striking leaves in different colours and shapes, with ripple effects or markings. And some species produce ‘rat-tail’ flower heads on an upright spike.

You’ll find bushy, trailing and upright varieties. Peperomia caperata, which is readily available, is an example of a bushy variety. It has many cultivars including Luna Red, Emerald Ripple and Tricolor.

An example of a trailing variety is Peperomia rotundifolia, which I featured in my latest report for New Covent Garden Flower Market. With rounded leaves, it can produce small yellow-green flower spikes in the summer.

Regarding upright Peperomias, one of the most common is Peperomia obtusifolia, which has blunt round fleshy leaves. Examples of cultivars are ‘Green’ and ‘Green Gold’.

Care wise, Peperomia plants like a bright or semi-shady spot away from direct sunlight. And it’s best to let the compost dry partly between waterings. And then water sparingly.

According to NASA research, one unique aspect of Peperomia plants is that all their foliage purifies the air, which means that I’m definitely going to put them on my list of plants to buy for my office!

Meet Rona

A very warm welcome! My name is Rona Wheeldon and I’ve made it my mission to inspire and support the floristry industry. I’m passionate about this incredible sector and everyone involved, rooting for florists, flower growers and flower wholesalers.

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